WVBF ProTour 2010 Campeche (Mexico)

« A successful first edition in Mexico! »
(Lausanne April 10, 2010). The first leg of the Beach Volleyball World Championships ProTour 2010, organized under the auspices of the World Volleyball and Beach Volleyball Federation (WVBF), the only world volleyball institution to respect and fully implement the Olympic principles: democratically elections by secret ballots, financial transparency and development, has just ended on the beautiful beaches of Carmen in Campeche (Mexico). A festive atmosphere, an exceptional sport level and a radiant sun contributed to make this first edition a great success. Teams from around the world have struggled for three days to catch a spot on the podium. In the women's draw, the Lithuanian pair, living in the USA and newcomers on the world circuit, composed of Iwona Virilaite and Rasa Lodzik, defeated the favourites American Elizabeth "Liz" Pagano and Noel Frohman after a fantastic final (14 to 21, 21 to 15, 15 to 12). The third place was won by the Bolivian team who showed an interesting game and who were rewarded by this very good performance. The male draw was « dominated » by the Americans. The two USA engaged pairs managed in fact to reach the final. The title finally went to Mark Paaluhi and Clint Coe who have taken the best of their compatriots Mike Rupp and Ryan Ratelle after an one-way final (21 to 13, 21 to 17). All the other teams involved have shared the crumbs and it is ultimately the excellent Swiss pair Julien Dougoud – Clément Schoeb who completed the podium after the victory against Italy in the small final.
Campeche authorities and representatives have attended the awarding ceremony. Fernando Galindo Espinosa and Javier Trejo Garay, the World Volleyball and Beach Volleyball representatives in Mexico, have thanked specially and warmly the Campeche Sport Institute General manager, Mr. Jorge Carlos Hurtado, for his support and participation at this ceremony.
The Dominican Manuel Lara, WVBF Board member and delegate in Campeche, congratulated
Fernando Espinosa and Javier Trejo Garay’s team for the excellent organization of the
tournament.
Players will be next week in Cochabamba (Bolivia) before travelling to Europe for the Swiss and Italian steps. A beautiful show in perspective, the 2010 WVBF Protour is launched!